Just like his Week 1 gameplan, Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn mentioned all three quarterbacks when asked about his rotation heading into the Arkansas State game – however it appears one quarterback may receive the majority of snaps this weekend.
According to Malzahn, sophomore Sean White will remain as the team’s starter and alluded to his plans to stick with White for the Tigers second game of the season. Malzahn also announced junior John Franklin III would serve as White’s primary backup:
Malzahn: Sean White is starting QB, John Franklin III is No. 2.
— John Zenor (@jzenor) September 6, 2016
Auburn coach Gus Malzahn: We weren't as successful as "I thought we'd be" with three QBs, moving forward with Sean White
— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) September 6, 2016
White was named Auburn’s starting quarterback leading up to the Clemson game and performed admirably at times, however the inexplicable quarterback rotation of Malzahn appeared to make any offensive momentum impossible to achieve for the Tigers.
White finished the Clemson game completing 10 of 21 throws for 140 yards and a red zone interception. John Franklin failed to register a single passing yard, when in fact he had -1 yard passing by the end of the game.
While Franklin’s passing numbers look atrocious, his presence in the game forced Clemson to honor his running ability and freed up Auburn for some good gains on the ground. On one drive, Franklin guided the offense into Clemson territory, only to be replaced mid-drive by senior Jeremy Johnson. That drive ended on a Johnson interception.
Of course Malzahn didn’t go long without mentioning Johnson, who will also remain in the mix:
Auburn coach Gus Malzahn: Jeremy Johnson is still getting reps in practice, "we be ready if we need him"
— Michael Niziolek (@michaelniziolek) September 6, 2016
Johnson finished the game completing four of six passes for 38 yards and the single interception.
Malzahn also announced the Tigers defense would be receiving a boost this weekend as defensive back Stephen Roberts has been cleared to rejoin the team:
Malzahn says Auburn DB Stephen Roberts will return this week after serving a one-game suspension.
— Greg Ostendorf (@greg_ostendorf) September 6, 2016
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
